Category Uncategorized

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is looking to follow in the footsteps of Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League next season, as he attempts to avoid the drop.

The German boss was relegated with Norwich City in the 2019/20 campaign and sacked before he had the chance to be relegated again in the 2021/22 season with the Canaries, which means that he has yet to prove that he can keep a team in the division.

Leeds have already backed him more than Norwich did in the market, though, with a host of additions having already been made this summer, including Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Lucas Perri, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Lukas Nmecha, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff.

There is more work to be done in the market to improve the squad, however, after they missed out on a deal to sign Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.

As well as chasing exciting deals like Paixao, though, Leeds should also be looking for functional players who can go under the radar whilst performing consistently, in the way that Stuart Dallas did for Bielsa.

Why Stuart Dallas was important for Marcelo Bielsa

The Northern Ireland international did not sign for Leeds when they were promoted to the Premier League, as he had already been part of the team in the Championship, but he is the kind of player the club could do with now.

Dallas was a bit of an unsung hero in the club’s first year back in the top-flight in the 2020/21 campaign, as the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha stole the headlines with their excellent performances on the pitch.

The experienced star provided great versatility for Bielsa with his ability to play in a multitude of roles across the pitch in the Premier League, whether that was at full-back, out wide, or in midfield.

Left midfield

96

Left-back

55

Right-back

46

Right midfield

33

Central midfield

24

Attacking midfield

7

Defensive midfield

1

As you can see in the table above, Dallas started 24 times or more in five different positions throughout his time at Elland Road, which shows that the manager could rely on him to fill gaps when needed.

The Northern Irish star also scored nine goals and provided two assists in his two seasons in the Premier League with the West Yorkshire outfit, which shows that he offered quality as well as versatility.

Leeds considering move for Championship star

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are now considering a move to sign £11m-rated Leicester City full-back James Justin, and he could be Farke’s own version of Stuart Dallas.

The report claims that Leeds United have a serious interest in the England international, who has emerged as a priority target for the Whites this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It states that the Championship champions want a full-back who can operate at left-back and right-back, and that Justin is one of the options under consideration at this moment in time.

Leeds are in the market to sign another full-back because Isaac Schmidt is said to be closing in on a season-long loan move to Werder Bremen, after just 12 months at Elland Road.

The report adds that Justin is now into the final 12 months of his contract with Leicester, which may open the door for the Whites to swoop in and secure his services before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why James Justin would be the new Stuart Dallas for Leeds

The Foxes defender may not be a glamorous signing or one that gets fans excited to watch him in action, but it could be a shrewd deal that makes a lot of sense.

Justin could arrive at Elland Road to be Farke’s own version of Dallas in the Premier League, as he has the quality and the versatility to be a very useful option for the German head coach.

The 27-year-old star has started at least 11 matches in his club career as a centre-back, a right-back, a left-back, a left midfielder, and as a right midfielder, which shows that he can be used in a multitude of ways by the boss.

He can cover both full-back positions, be utilised as a wing-back, cover at centre-back, and play on the wing when needed. This could make him almost the perfect squad signing as a player who can cover in five or six different positions when needed.

Appearances

36

Goals

2

Assists

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.9

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

Ground duel success rate

59%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

Justin, as you can see in the table above, is also coming off the back of a solid season of performances in the Premier League, in spite of his team’s relegation from the division.

The English ace, who was described as an “adventurous” full-back by pundit Tony Cascarino, chipped in with four direct goal contributions in a team that got relegated, which suggests that he can offer a decent threat at the top end of the pitch.

His defensive numbers were also far from dreadful. Justin held his own in duels on the deck and in the air, whilst rarely being dribbled past by opposition wingers, which suggests that he is a solid operator out of possession.

As a back-up to Jayden Bogle and Gudmundsson in the full-back positions, the versatile Leicester star could come in as a fantastic squad option and as Farke’s own Dallas, performing admirably in a clutch of different roles across the pitch when called upon in the Premier League.

49ers lining up Leeds swoop for £17m star who's as exciting as Paixao

Leeds United are eyeing up a £17m-rated winger who could be just as exciting as Igor Paixao.

ByDan Emery Jul 30, 2025

Manchester United are making progress in their mission to strengthen under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to move forward in their pursuit of a high-pedigree defender, according to a report.

Manchester United urged to break the bank for quality additions

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha would fit the definition of breaking the bank for elite talent, but Premier League giants Manchester United are aware that more signings are needed to match the output of their domestic rivals on the market.

Reports suggest Manchester United would be willing to offer £22 million for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, which would be another signal of intent, though Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils should go all out for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba to bolster the spine of their team.

He stated: “Who would you go and get?”, and there’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, who I think fits the bill for what we need.

“He’s an Amorim-type player as well. Physically, he’s great. He can drive with the ball, he can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, central midfield… Baleba.”

Without putting too fine a point on it, Manchester United’s lack of solidity in the Premier League last term was evident for all to see, hence why Amorim is also targeting defensive reinforcements in the form of Lucas Beraldo.

Manchester United’s defensive frailties in 2024/25

Goals conceded

54

Defeats

18

Clean sheet percentage across 38 league matches

26%

Ultimately, a failure to secure the back door is a recipe for chaos, leading to a growing appetite for an overhaul within the Red Devils’ backline.

After months of searching, Manchester United could now have found one part of a solution to remedy the well-documented faults within their rearguard.

Manchester United make contact for Inter defender Benjamin Pavard

According to Transferfeed, Manchester United have made contact by enquiring about Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, who may be allowed to leave San Siro this summer for a fee between £26.1 million and £30.5 million.

Despite the Nerazzurri not officially listing the France international for sale, they are looking into potential replacements for the ex-Bayern Munich star, including Genoa’s Koni De Winter.

Related Better than Sesko: Man Utd in talks to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"

Manchester United could be about to forget about Benjamin Sesko with another move elsewhere.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Labelled “brilliant” by Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps, Pavard, who is outfitted by Adidas, registered one goal and a solitary assist in 37 appearances last campaign, operating almost entirely in central defence.

The 29-year-old also won 78 duels in Serie A, cementing himself as an important factor behind Inter’s ability to go deep both in domestic competitions and the Champions League.

Now, it appears he could be set for a new challenge in the prime of his career, which has piqued Manchester United’s interest as they look to seal a marquee deal to strengthen their backline.

They say strengthen while you’re on top, and that is exactly what Liverpool have done this summer, with the runaway Premier League champions having already secured three marquee deals to bolster Arne Slot’s ranks.

After a quiet first summer in charge, the Dutch coach has so far welcomed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez into the fold – alongside two new goalkeepers – with rumours still rife regarding a further move for Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guehi.

With Darwin Nunez’s impending switch to Napoli also heightening the need for a striker, the Reds don’t appear to be done just yet – a scary prospect for the chasing pack.

Related The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.

Posts 3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

What is yet to be seen, however, is whether such incomings will spark a raft of further outgoings at Anfield to help balance the books, with speculation rife over Luis Diaz’s future at the club.

The latest on Luis Diaz's Liverpool future

Previously looking set to be the man to replace Sadio Mane on the left flank, Diaz found a new home for himself through the middle under the new Slot regime last term, resulting in his best return for the club to date with 25 goals and assists in 50 games in all competitions.

The 28-year-old appears to have properly found his groove in a Liverpool shirt, although with just two years left to run on his existing deal, it remains to be seen what the future lies in store, with talk of an extension having seemingly gone quiet.

That uncertainty has provided a potential opportunity for suitors to pounce, with recent months having seen Barcelona heavily linked with a move, while interest in the Colombian has also emerged from Saudi Arabia.

A further destination also presented itself in the form of Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga side’s director of sport, Max Eberl, believed to have made contact amid the hopes of landing the £73m-rated forward.

As revealed by journalist Paul Joyce, that approach has been rebuffed by the Merseysiders, with Liverpool holding firm on their stance that the player is not for sale.

Diaz may yet stay at Anfield this summer it would seem – although that’s not to say the club aren’t seeking a potential upgrade in the attacking ranks…

Liverpool's search for a new forward

The Reds’ interest in Alexander Isak remains a hot topic on Merseyside, albeit with the fact remaining that it would take a colossal bid to prise the Swede from St James’ Park, not least with Newcastle United reportedly slapping down a £200m price tag.

Alternative centre-forward options thus need to be considered, with journalist Fabrizio Romano – speaking on his YouTube channel – reporting that Liverpool are actually “discussing” a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

The suggestion is that Slot and co will step up their interest in the £85m marksman if and when Nunez’s expected exit is sealed, with Romano stating:

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

“Liverpool are working on this deal, they are discussing the possibility of adding Hugo Ekitike to their squad. The idea of Liverpool is to have one more striker, they are waiting to understand what happens with Darwin Nunez with conversations ongoing with Napoli.

“Liverpool can add a new striker, so Hugo Ekitike remains a name on the list for the club.”

Why Ekitike could be an upgrade on Diaz

The beauty of Diaz in Slot’s tenure thus far has been his surprising versatility, with the orthodox left-winger having fashioned a new role for himself as a false nine or centre-forward, amid Nunez’s dismal return of just seven goals across all fronts in 2024/25.

That said, Ekitike also boasts that same flexibility to feature off the left or in a central role, with the promising Frenchman having even eclipsed Diaz’s return of 25 goal involvements last term.

Indeed, the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain – racked up a mammoth haul of 34 goals and assists in just 48 games in Germany last time out, having surpassed his Liverpool counterpart in both of those metrics.

Most goals & assists in 24/25 – U23 players in Europe’s top 5 leagues

Player

Goals

Assists

Total

Michael Olise

12

18

30

Mason Greenwood

21

6

27

Erling Haaland

22

3

25

Bradley Barcola

14

11

25

Cole Palmer

15

9

24

Yamine Lamal

9

15

24

Hugo Ekitike

15

8

23

Florian Wirtz

10

13

23

Stats via Transfermarkt

On the league front, in particular, it was Ekitike who also enjoyed the greater success with 15 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga, with Diaz, by contrast, contributing ‘just’ 13 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

Away from just that end product, the Frankfurt star also came out on top with regard to big chances created (12 vs eight), as well as for successful dribbles completed (1.6 vs 1.5), as per Sofascore, thus showcasing the full array of his talents.

Lauded as a “world-class” figure by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the relative youngster has also been described as looking like the “perfect centre-forward” by TNT pundit Owen Hargreaves – all while still just 23.

While Liverpool certainly don’t need to weaken their ranks by selling Diaz, providing increased competition in the forward line would be a mouthwatering prospect, not least if the Reds would actually be getting an upgrade in the process.

Related The next Henderson: Liverpool now closing in on a "monster" new signing

Liverpool are running rampant in the transfer market this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 2, 2025

Whether the Club World Cup marks the end of a successful 2024/25 campaign, or the start of preparations for the new season is up for debate, although what is clear is that Chelsea are beginning to find their groove under the Enzo Maresca regime.

Having rounded off May with Champions League qualification and Conference League glory, the Blues look destined to go far in this summer’s bumper tournament, with a favourable last-16 tie against Benfica on the cards.

New man Liam Delap is already off the mark to boot, with the west Londoners’ new number nine swiftly settling in to life in his new surroundings, all while Nicolas Jackson’s suspension woes continue.

Snapped up for just £30m from relegated Ipswich Town, the 22-year-old could represent a real bargain for the Blues if his early displays are anything to go by, having chalked up one goal and one assist from just his first three outings.

The latest in a succession of youthful additions at Stamford Bridge under Todd Boehly, Delap is already beginning to show his worth. Hopefully, Chelsea’s next potential arrival can follow suit.

Latest on Chelsea's summer transfer search

A growing theme has emerged at Chelsea in recent years, with Delap following the likes of Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Tosin Adarabioyo in joining the club, after previously being schooled in Manchester City’s youth ranks.

That trend also saw the Blues snap up another Etihad graduate, Jadon Sancho, last summer, albeit with the club ultimately paying a £5m cancellation fee to cut short his time in the capital, despite having had the chance to make that deal permanent.

Sancho’s departure – alongside Mykhaylo Mudryk’s continued absence – has only served to heighten the need for a fresh face down the left flank, with Boehly and co still pressing on with a deal for one-time Man City product, Jamie Gittens.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that “new and positive negotiations” have taken place between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund regarding the Englishman, amid prior claims that the 20-year-old has already struck his own agreement with the Blues.

That said, Plettenberg outlines that no club-to-club compromise has yet been reached, with the Bundesliga outfit still demanding a fee in the region of €65m (£55m), if they are to contemplate a sale.

The transfer insider notes that Dortmund are aware of other suitors who are also in the mix, although “no direct talks” have been held with Bayern Munich to date. Chelsea, as such, still appear to be leading the race.

Why Gittens could be Chelsea's own Florian Wirtz

Chelsea are currently basking in the delight of young Delap, although it’s hard to ignore the statement addition to the Premier League so far this summer, in the form of Liverpool’s £116m signing of Florian Wirtz.

Plucked from Bayer Leverkusen, the Anfield side have broken the bank in order to sign the 22-year-old German sensation, with Wirtz coming off the back of a season in which he registered 31 goals and assists in 45 games in all competitions.

Gittens – who registered 17 goal involvements in Germany from 49 appearances last term – may not be quite at that level just yet, although he could represent Maresca’s own exciting, fleet-footed acquisition from the Bundesliga.

Indeed, the Dortmund speedster – who has been described as an “explosive winger” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – is recognised as a statistically similar player to Wirtz, among those in their position in the German top-flight in 2024/25, as per FBref.

That likeness is particularly evidenced by the duo’s dribbling prowess, with Gittens ranking in the top 1% of his peers for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, while Wirtz is only just behind after ranking in the top 5% and the top 3% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Non-penalty goals

0.41

0.31

Assists

0.15

0.46

Shot-creating actions

3.70

5.67

Pass completion

76.5%

78.3%

Progressive passes

2.13

6.74

Progressive carries

5.73

5.01

Successful take-ons

3.90

3.14

Touches in attacking penalty area

5.57

5.24

Progressive passes received

9.12

11.83

While the England youth star did only score eight goals and register just four assists in the Bundesliga, that came amid just 23 league starts, ensuring his non-penalty goals per 90 record actually places him ahead of Wirtz in that regard.

What that suggests is that if afforded a consistent run of games, the London-born wonderkid can potentially reach even greater heights, providing Maresca with another exciting attacking weapon to wield.

Comfortable operating off the left flank or as more of an “inside forward”, as noted by Kulig, Gittens’ versatility again highlights that likeness to Wirtz, with Liverpool’s new man also comfortable lining up all across the front line.

That reported £55m price tag may appear steep for a player yet to even earn a senior England cap, yet – as they are beginning to find in the case of Delap – such a deal could actually represent a bargain, if he does manage to replicate the heroics of the £116m-rated Wirtz.

He's a dream for Delap: Chelsea weigh up move for "generational" £60m star

The winger could be a brilliant signing for Chelsea and Liam Delap, in particular.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

Manchester United have wasted no time in the transfer market to aid Ruben Amorim in being a success at Old Trafford, already making a move to sign one player.

Matheus Cunha has been a player constantly linked with a switch to join the Red Devils over recent months, with a deal seemingly edging ever closer ahead of the final game of the Premier League campaign.

It’s been widely reported that the club have been in advanced talks with Wolves over a deal for the Brazilian international ahead of the summer despite the failure to win the Europa League.

The 25-year-old has a £62.5m release clause within his current contract, but that doesn’t appear to be an issue after agreeing a deal to pay such a figure out in multiple instalments.

However, despite the movement with a deal for Cunha, it appears as though one deal could be completed before him, with another deal edging closer to completion.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

After such a dismal year in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, new additions are to be expected at United to try and right the wrongs of the current campaign.

The likes of Ronald Araujo, Ederson and Viktor Gyokeres have all been strongly linked already ahead of the off-season, as the hierarchy look to bolster various areas of the pitch.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned players, Palmeiras star Richard Rios could be the first summer signing, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that he’s seen as a key part of the revival at Old Trafford, and could be available for a fee in the region of just £20m – an absolute bargain.

It also claims that, despite the move for Cunha, the 24-year-old could be set to be the first addition to the new project led by Amorim to lead the club back to their former glory.

Why Rios would be an upgrade on Ugarte

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte was seen as a huge signing last summer after joining in a £50m deal from PSG, looking to be a key part of the rebuild conducted by former boss Erik ten Hag.

The Uruguayan has started 22 league games to date, often having a stop-start period in the North West and being unable to string up a real run of games over the last few months.

He was benched for the Europa League final defeat against Spurs on Wednesday night, not even being brought on by Amorim – potentially highlighting his form of late in the first-team.

It remains to be seen if he will be part of the manager’s long-term plans at the club, but a deal for Rios could further limit his game time and offer Amorim a quality option in the middle of the park.

The Colombian, who’s been labelled a “machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas this campaign – highlighting why his £20m fee would be a bargain.

Rios has registered more goals and assists throughout 2024/25, handing the side an added attacking option from a deep-lying role, something which is needed given their lack of threat this season.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, registering more key passes per 90 – handing the players ahead of him the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

27

29

Goals & assists

6

3

Progressive carries

1.1

0.8

Progressive passes

2.5

3

Pass accuracy

91%

89%

Key passes

1.1

0.5

Blocks made

2.2

1.6

Interceptions made

1.4

1.3

The 24-year-old’s talent out of possession is just as impressive, making more blocks and interceptions per 90, offering the added defensive presence they need, given their lowly league standing.

£20m in today’s market is a bargain price, especially for a player of Rios’ quality, with his skillset certainly bolstering the options currently at Amorim’s disposal.

As seen by the stats produced in recent times, he’s managed to better Ugarte in such a role, possibly being a key player in their ambitions of pushing back up the league table in 2025/26.

He's like Pogba: Man Utd begin talks to sign "world-class" £50m talent

Manchester United could be about to make a move for a star who may follow in Paul Pogba’s footsteps.

ByEthan Lamb May 20, 2025

The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month and Celtic have already completed their first signing, although he will not officially join until the start of July.

Kieran Tierney will re-join the Scottish giants in the summer after his contract with Arsenal expires at the end of June, which means that the Scotland international will return on a free transfer.

The former Hoops academy graduate enjoyed a terrific first spell at Parkhead, racking up 37 assists in 170 matches in all competitions before his £25m move to The Emirates in 2019.

This suggests that Brendan Rodgers is set to have a brilliant attacking left-back option at his disposal when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway later this year.

Celtic are also set to be in the market for a player to play ahead of Tierney in the left wing position after it was revealed that Jota could be on the sidelines for up to nine months with a knee injury.

That could put the Hoops on alert for a new winger in the summer transfer window because losing the Portuguese talent to a long-term injury is a big blow.

Why losing Jota is a big blow for Celtic

The Scottish Premiership champions reportedly paid a fee of £8m to bring the attacker back to Parkhead from Rennes in the January transfer window, 18 months after they sold him to Al Ittihad for £25m.

This shows that the Hoops were willing to pay big money to reunite with the exciting winger, and for good reason, after his first spell on the flanks in Glasgow.

As you can see in the graphic above, Jota was an absolute joy to watch during his time in the team under Ange Postecoglou in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns, as he delivered goals and assists on a regular basis, whilst playing on the left and the right wing.

Prior to his recent injury, the former Benfica starlet showed that kind of form again with a return of four goals and two assists in seven starts in the Premiership during the second half of this season.

The Celtic star hit the ground running on his homecoming to Glasgow, despite scoring just one goal for Rennes in the first half of the campaign, and looked set for a strong end to the season after his fast start to life back at the club.

Unfortunately, the Scottish giants will now have to deal without having Jota for the best part of a year, which is a blow because they have lost a star who has proven that he can score and assist goals on a regular basis in Scotland.

Celtic could, however, find a perfect replacement for the Portuguese gem for the start of next season by signing their latest reported transfer target.

Celtic eyeing move for English attacker

According to The Herald, Celtic are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign 23-year-old attacker Tyrhys Dolan from Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

The report claims that the Hoops are monitoring his situation with the English side, as Rodgers seemingly lines up a swoop for the talented forward.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Dolan’s current contract at Ewood Park is due to expire at the end of June and this means that the Scottish giants could swoop in to land him for a compensation fee, as he came up through the youth ranks at Blackburn and they would still be entitled to a nominal fee. This is quite remarkable considering the Scottish Sun suggests that he is actually valued around the £10m mark.

The Herald adds, though, that fellow Premiership side Rangers have already made contact with the player to be informed about his situation, which shows that Celtic are not the only side interested in a swoop for the English attacker.

It is now down to the Hoops to win the race for the Championship star’s signature because he could come in as a perfect replacement for Jota for Rodgers.

Why Dolan would be a perfect Jota replacement for Celtic

Like the Portuguese forward, Dolan is a versatile right-footed winger who can play out on the right or on the left flank, which means that he can play down the line as a touchline winger on the right or on the left as an inverted winger who cuts inside to create space for an overlapping full-back.

That could make him an ideal left-winger for Tierney to play with because the English ace could drift infield onto his stronger right foot and drag the right-back, which could provide the Scottish defender with opportunities to deliver crosses in from the space that creates.

This means that the Blackburn star could be the perfect Jota replacement from a stylistic perspective, because of his ability to fulfill the tactical roles that the £8m signing could play for Rodgers.

Of course, Celtic also need a winger who has the quality to provide goals and assists at the top end of the pitch to help them win matches and trophies, and Dolan also has the potential to be that forward as well.

24/25 Championship

Tyrhys Dolan

Appearances

44

Goals

7

Conversion rate

14%

Big chances created

7

Key passes

44

Assists

6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old star has delivered seven goals and six assists in the Championship this term, which is a respectable, but not outstanding, return.

It is more impressive when you consider that Blackburn rank 16th in the Championship for xG, with 51.7 xG in 46 games, which shows that they are not a front-footed team that consistently creates chances.

Celtic, meanwhile, racked up 84.0 xG in 33 matches before the split. This means that Dolan, who Tony Mowbray once hailed as scoring a “wonderful” goal, would be in a team that creates significantly more chances for their attacking players.

Therefore, the English star could add far more goals and assists to his game by playing in an attacking, dominant, side in Glasgow, which could turn his decent haul of 13 goals and assists into Jota-esque contributions over the course of a Premiership season.

Related Worth less than Scales: Rodgers must axe Celtic's "fantastic" star

Celtic must ruthlessly cash in on the defender who is worth even less than Liam Scales.

Posts ByDan Emery May 11, 2025

Therefore, Dolan could be the perfect replacement for the injured Jota as a low-cost signing, given his contract situation, who fits tactically and has the potential to be an excellent operator in the final third.

Manchester United have made their first move to sign a Premier League goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana.

Man Utd ready to sell Onana amid interest from Saudi Arabia

The Red Devils’ preparations for their Europa League quarter-final first leg 2-2 against Lyon were disrupted by Nemanja Matic’s comments on Onana.

The former United midfielder hit back at Onana’s claims on Man Utd being better than Lyon, saying: “You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer. If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about.

“If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] De Gea saying that, then I would question myself. But you need to have cover to say something like that.”

In the 2-2 draw, Onana had an evening to forget, making a late error in stoppage time to allow the Ligue 1 side to level things up ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.

Onana did hit back at Matic, though, highlighting the fact he’s won trophies in Manchester, unlike the midfielder. “I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent.

“We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud. At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”

However, INEOS appear to be preparing for life without Onana at Old Trafford. Reports have claimed that Man Utd are set to sell Onana, who has interest from Saudi Arabia and is unsettled in England.

The club will therefore need a replacement ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge, and they have made a move for one specific target.

Man Utd make contact to sign Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have now made an approach to sign Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

AC Milan are also keen on Verbruggen to potentially replace Mike Maignan, but it is the Red Devils who have made contact. Verbruggen cost Brighton €20m and it is claimed that the Seagulls would likely want double which would be €40m (£34m).

A Netherlands international, Verbruggen move to England in 2023 from Anderlecht and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket from €10m to a career-high €25m.

Related £65m price drop: Man Utd and Amorim increasingly keen on "special" forward

The Red Devils are set to battle it out for a winger, whose price tag may have dropped considerably.

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Apr 9, 2025

The 22-year-old has made 60 appearances and has kept 15 clean sheets, coming in for praise from Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler earlier this season, who said: “I really enjoy working with him because he is an unbelievable character.

“For his age he is very mature and he sees things very professionally. That is why he is a role model for everything. I think he can play a big part in the future of the club.”

By the looks of things, a move north to Manchester or to Italy with AC Milan could be one to keep an eye on for Verbruggen.

New Zealand vs England as experienced from the back of a taxi in Chennai

Aditya Iyer09-Nov-2024When I start watching the game on my mobile phone in Liyaqath’s taxi shortly after dusk, New Zealand’s reply is underway. Opener Devon Conway is batting at one end. At the other stands the relatively unknown Rachin Ravindra. In his previous seven ODIs, all played in 2023, the curly-mopped left-hander hasn’t batted higher than No. 6. But something about Ravindra’s top score of 61 in a 100-run loss to England at Lord’s in the lead-up to this World Cup made the New Zealand team management promote him to No. 3 in Ahmedabad. It seems to have paid off instantly.With a few quick clicks on chronological time-stamps, Liyaqath and I watch all that we’ve missed in the innings. Just as we go live, Ravindra welcomes us back with a terrific hook off the speedy Mark Wood, where he gets inside the line of the bouncer and almost casually swats it away over square leg for six. There’s a slow-motion clatter of the ball against an electronic hoarding in Motera and a louder crash just in front of us in Guindy, for Liyaqath, in his eagerness to catch the replay, has nudged the car in front of him as we move halfway up the choked flyover. He slams hard on the brake pedal, but the damage has been done.Through the columns of water being displaced on the windscreen, we can see that the right taillight of the Maruti S-Presso ahead of us has been hit. Liyaqath steps out to inspect both cars. Two men emerge from the S-Presso to do the same. One of them is in regular office clothes, a shirt tucked into his trousers, but the other wears a crisp black and a diaphanous black shirt, a very specific kind of combination that only devotees of Sabarimalai Ayappan tend to wear, and immediately I fear that this situation could well take a communal turn; Liyaqath, with his beard under a moustache-free upper lip, is very evidently Muslim.But they just blink at each other in the falling rain, pointing at what I suppose are dents and nicks on both vehicles. I can’t hear what they are saying, but their gestures are pretty self-explanatory: nods and sighs and pursed lips and hands on hips. The man in black walks back to his car and re-emerges with his phone. He shelters the device with a palm and punches in whatever Liyaqath is dictating to him. Missed calls are made, photos of number plates clicked, heads shaken and nodded. That’s it, fracas over. Liyaqath is drenched by the time he heaves himself into the driver’s seat and sighs heavily over the sounds of pelting rain. The S-Presso is now part of the indistinguishable swarm ahead.

I catch the strains of Tamil commentary. I follow the sound and identify three flower-sellers as the ones listening to it, squatting in a line on the sand as they arrange strings of jasmine in coir baskets

Liyaqath is grumpy, muttering and castigating himself for his carelessness. “Please, I want to stop at a tea after this flyover, I just need to compose myself. Only if you don’t mind, please, okay?” he says. In a short while, we are parked beside ashop from whose awning hang many hands of bananas so ripe that they have lost all nutritional value. It is a stationery store, tobacco shop, confectionery stall, tea halt and shopkeeper’s living room all rolled into one. A woman sits on a red plastic stool, watching the World Cup game on a small TV on the green wall.We duck under the suspended bananas and Liyaqath lifts two fingers at the shopkeeper, who in turn whistles at a working the kettle by the backroom stove, who nods and exaggerates the motion of his pour into two paper cups, mainly to incite fresh froth in the milk chai. We slurp into the rising steam, watching the rain. “It was completely my fault,” says Liyaqath, looking bitterly into his hot beverage. I tell him that I’m just glad the hullabaloo didn’t acquire a communal shade. Liyaqath gives me a quizzical look. Then he throws his head back and laughs, deep, jolly rumbles emanating from his stomach. We now have the shopkeeper’s attention.”This is not your Delhi or Bombay, sir. This is Tamil Nadu, and our politicians might constantly stir other stupid things but they don’t do this Hindu-Muslim-Christian division here,” Liyaqath says. The shopkeeper nods along. “All of us coexist happily, what do you say ?” makes a perfect circle with his head a few times in agreement. Liyaqath likes the validation, the response, the power of telling off an outsider in front of his own, teaching a complete stranger the ways of this land, his land. “Unlike in the north, where widespread illiteracy allows the leaders to take advantage and polarise the people, the south is largely literate. Tougher to turn us against each other. Religion in the south of India, be it here or Kerala, or even Andhra Pradesh, is there to give us believers strength. It doesn’t make us weaker. We can be from any religion but here we are Tamil first, correct ?”The rain has stopped just as suddenly as it had started, and the winding roads leading up to the bay are bathed in the phosphorescent yellow hue of the dim streetlights. About a hundred metres short of Elliot’s Beach, the Uber stops next to a permanent -painted entryway to an apartment block in Besant Nagar, so named after Britisheducationist Annie Besant, who established the Theosophical Society a stone’s throw from where I stand. I learn that my friend, whose apartment I will be staying in until the end of India’s match in Chennai, is a good two hours away from getting home. I drag my strolley over the wet pavement towards the beach for a lonely wait. But then Liyaqath, parked at the intersection of the residential avenue and the beach road, calls out to me once again.He has pushed his seat back as far as possible and is smoking a herb. Potent, aromatic coils waft from the window as he enquires where I’m headed. On finding out that I’m at a loose end, he says: “Come come, sit inside. Want to try? It is very good, from Idukki.”Penguin Random House”Sure. But can we go to the beach? I happen to have a bottle of whisky that I got for my friend. Would you like to try some of that?”Each of us having accepted the invitation to indulge in the other man’s poison, we sit on the low peripheral wall around the Kaj Schmidt Memorial, a monument consisting of a single archway to remember a Dutch man who died while saving a British girl from drowning in undivided India. That was when this city was very much still Madras. The tide is low and calm, and it laps gently against the receding shore. Watching it, we smoke and drink, drink and smoke.In the silence, we hear two young lovers close by, their faces hidden under a thick jacket, giggle and playfully admonish each other for getting too frisky. I also catch the strains ofTamil commentary from the Ahmedabad match. I follow the sound and identify three flower-sellers as the ones listening to it, squatting in a line on the sand as they arrange strings of jasmine in coir baskets.Just as the might of the intoxication kicks in, Liyaqath nudges me in the ribs with his elbow and holds out his phone, showing me a picture of a girl no older than five, maybe six. “My daughter. Mahira.”I nod my spinning head.”I named her after Thala.”It doesn’t strike me immediately, so he smiles and pokes me again.”What, sir? Didn’t get the connection? Dhoni, sir! Mahi, sir! That is how I chose the name.”We are now lying on the sand, hands behind heads, looking up at the inky sky in our dizzy silence. Two boys in college uniforms trudge past us with their noses stuck into a mobilescreen. I yell out to them for the score. “Over, over, all over,” one of them shouts back. “Ravindra hundred. Conway 150. Both not out.”Somewhere in the far west of this vast, vast country, the World Cup has well and truly begun. A nation will live and breathe nothing else over the next six weeks, one deep lungful at a time.

In T20, how quickly a player scores depends on how quickly they accelerate, not on their strike rate at the end

Kartikeya Date06-Dec-2022When cricket teams lose, the tendency among supporters is to look for scapegoats. These tend not to have anything to do with the team’s competitiveness, but rather focus on “respectability”. Thus, when India lose a Test match or Test series, attention is inevitably drawn to the batters, though it is the bowlers who couldn’t bowl the opposition out twice. In T20, the blame tends to be directed at the batters who score the fewest runs, though it is the speed of run-scoring that determines competitiveness.In T20 matches the field is spread, and so singles are on offer pretty much on every ball a batter faces. So producing a high average is not very difficult (compared to doing so in Test cricket or even ODI cricket) if a player is prepared to score slow enough.Virat Kohli’s scoring rate after 4008 runs in T20Is stands at 137.96. Let’s say it is 138 runs per 100 balls faced. Compared to other players, that appears to be a healthy scoring rate. That is until you consider how long it takes him to achieve that rate. This is given in the table below. Kohli’s average T20I innings lasts 27.1 balls, from which he produces 37.5 runs. The same figures for the next 14 most prolific T20I batters for India are in the table below Kohli’s figures.Related

• India's T20 approach needs a reboot, not a refresh

• T20 openers are more conservative than they need to be

• T20 chases are won and lost in the first ten overs, not the last ten

Immediately below Kohli in the table are India’s current opening pair. Let’s say that they both score at the same rate as him. Except, that they survive 20 and 24 balls per innings respectively compared to Kohli’s 27. This means that they get to that scoring rate quicker. The last column below gives the difference between Kohli’s scoring rate and that of other players after the average number of balls of the other player’s innings. Kohli scores 5.7% slower than Rohit Sharma, 5.2% slower than KL Rahul, 27% slower than Suryakumar Yadav, and so on.